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Wildbound
A storm. A shipwreck.
A sizzling connection neither of them saw coming.
Lex Bell is a driven English professor without a life beyond her books. Ben Reed is the grumpy whale-watching captain just trying to keep his business afloat.
After a freak whirlpool strands them and a boatful of others on a tropical island nowhere near Oregon, they have no choice but to stick together.
But when a single drink from a mysterious waterfall leaves Lex and Ben bound by an intoxicating craving, survival suddenly gets a whole lot more complicated.
Hot nights. Razor-sharp banter. A secret paradise hiding deadly surprises.
Wildbound is the steamy, pulse-pounding, award-winning first book in the Fated Shores series. It's perfect for readers craving adventure, heat, and romance worth getting lost in.
A sizzling connection neither of them saw coming.
Lex Bell is a driven English professor without a life beyond her books. Ben Reed is the grumpy whale-watching captain just trying to keep his business afloat.
After a freak whirlpool strands them and a boatful of others on a tropical island nowhere near Oregon, they have no choice but to stick together.
But when a single drink from a mysterious waterfall leaves Lex and Ben bound by an intoxicating craving, survival suddenly gets a whole lot more complicated.
Hot nights. Razor-sharp banter. A secret paradise hiding deadly surprises.
Wildbound is the steamy, pulse-pounding, award-winning first book in the Fated Shores series. It's perfect for readers craving adventure, heat, and romance worth getting lost in.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Aeva Vox
5 books234 followersAfter a decade in academia and a decade as a developer, Aeva wants to focus on writing fun stories that always end in an HEA. And because she has some trauma from all of the classical literature written by men that she had to read again and again as an English major, she focuses on nearly-perfect men and imperfect women: the perfect duo.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 26, 2025
Thank you Aeva Vox for an ARC of Wildbound in exchange for this honest review
2.75/5 ⭐️
3.75/5 🌶️
What to Expect:
🔥 High heat with emotional payoff
💘 Fated mates (but with a twist 👀)
🌊 Tropical island survival
🔥 Banter, yearning, and yes... some creative outdoor scenes
🐾 Something is definitely hunting them. And it’s not cute.
Mild suspense / light danger elements
Animal tracking & survival situations (think adventure, not gore)
A magical bond they have to manage… one craving at a time
I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine elements of Ben and Lex's budding relationship. And for once I actually liked the (slight) miscommunication between them. By having the dual POVs you get to understand what each took out of the same conversation and most of the time it was not the same thing. Intents were misunderstood and it lead to even more heat between them, but because they were miscommunications I feel happen often in everyday life I liked it as an addition to their dynamic.
This was the first shipwreck romance I had ever read so I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but the whirlpool that stranded them on a fantasy island was great.
There was a lot of promise and I wish the story was a bit more flushed out. There were elements that seemed important and were not follow up one and others that got (IMO) too much explanation (such as what a dinosaur is).
The story is a continuous one, but I felt the ending just seemed rushed. I got to the end and was convinced there was another chapter.
Now this might not have been my favorite story that I have read, but I am definitely intrigued enough to see if I was missing something and read the next in the series when it (hopefully soon) comes out.
Quote:
"What he felt for her was embedded in every piece of him. He loved Lex like he needed water or food or air. He loved her entirely and without condition. She was a pain in his ass and she took everything he said wrong, but he loved her anyway, and maybe because of it all."
2.75/5 ⭐️
3.75/5 🌶️
What to Expect:
🔥 High heat with emotional payoff
💘 Fated mates (but with a twist 👀)
🌊 Tropical island survival
🔥 Banter, yearning, and yes... some creative outdoor scenes
🐾 Something is definitely hunting them. And it’s not cute.
Mild suspense / light danger elements
Animal tracking & survival situations (think adventure, not gore)
A magical bond they have to manage… one craving at a time
I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine elements of Ben and Lex's budding relationship. And for once I actually liked the (slight) miscommunication between them. By having the dual POVs you get to understand what each took out of the same conversation and most of the time it was not the same thing. Intents were misunderstood and it lead to even more heat between them, but because they were miscommunications I feel happen often in everyday life I liked it as an addition to their dynamic.
This was the first shipwreck romance I had ever read so I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but the whirlpool that stranded them on a fantasy island was great.
There was a lot of promise and I wish the story was a bit more flushed out. There were elements that seemed important and were not follow up one and others that got (IMO) too much explanation (such as what a dinosaur is).
The story is a continuous one, but I felt the ending just seemed rushed. I got to the end and was convinced there was another chapter.
Now this might not have been my favorite story that I have read, but I am definitely intrigued enough to see if I was missing something and read the next in the series when it (hopefully soon) comes out.
Quote:
"What he felt for her was embedded in every piece of him. He loved Lex like he needed water or food or air. He loved her entirely and without condition. She was a pain in his ass and she took everything he said wrong, but he loved her anyway, and maybe because of it all."
August 19, 2025
We're stranded on an impossible tropical island, but at least the guy I hate/am attracted to is here.
3🌶️ insta hate to love, Wilderness Survival, future pairs from group.
After Professor Lex and her grad students get pulled into a mysterious whirlpool during a whale watching trip, she's at instant odds with the gruff Captain Ben. Every attempt he makes to talk just needles her or ends with them butting heads. Between trying to find something to eat that isn't seaweed and dodging the dangerous local wildlife, Lex and Ben fight not only each other but their sudden and almost magical attraction. But just how the ocean smooths rocks into sand, learning to survive on this island slowly erodes Ben's rough edges. With no rescue eminent, Lex and Ben try to solve the mysteries of the island while learning about who they are away from 21st century life.
Lex's dread and anxiety about the sudden loss of her life goals felt very relatable. Her needing to find new purpose and skills to deal with her circumstances felt real. Who hasn't had to suddenly deal with forces greater than ourselves messing up life plans? Ben's grumpy attitude matched his life situation and his character growth felt authentic. While it does feel a little bit like the island's supernatural forces push them together, their feelings for each other are their own by the end.
This is for any fans of Castaway, Journey to the Center of the Earth, or anyone who's ever imagined what being washed ashore was like. As a fan of survival fiction the amount of research into island life was evident and made the survival elements enjoyable rather than cringing at people just making terrible mistakes. I'm interested in seeing what more this setting has in store!
3🌶️ insta hate to love, Wilderness Survival, future pairs from group.
After Professor Lex and her grad students get pulled into a mysterious whirlpool during a whale watching trip, she's at instant odds with the gruff Captain Ben. Every attempt he makes to talk just needles her or ends with them butting heads. Between trying to find something to eat that isn't seaweed and dodging the dangerous local wildlife, Lex and Ben fight not only each other but their sudden and almost magical attraction. But just how the ocean smooths rocks into sand, learning to survive on this island slowly erodes Ben's rough edges. With no rescue eminent, Lex and Ben try to solve the mysteries of the island while learning about who they are away from 21st century life.
Lex's dread and anxiety about the sudden loss of her life goals felt very relatable. Her needing to find new purpose and skills to deal with her circumstances felt real. Who hasn't had to suddenly deal with forces greater than ourselves messing up life plans? Ben's grumpy attitude matched his life situation and his character growth felt authentic. While it does feel a little bit like the island's supernatural forces push them together, their feelings for each other are their own by the end.
This is for any fans of Castaway, Journey to the Center of the Earth, or anyone who's ever imagined what being washed ashore was like. As a fan of survival fiction the amount of research into island life was evident and made the survival elements enjoyable rather than cringing at people just making terrible mistakes. I'm interested in seeing what more this setting has in store!
August 13, 2025
This book was an interesting one. It started out normally enough but pretty quickly took a more science fiction route. A group of scientists go on a whale watching tour off the coast of Oregon, but the boat they are on is sucked into a whirlpool and, when they re-emerge, they find themselves near a tropical island. The boat sinks, they make their way to the island and try to figure out just what happened and where they ended up. The hope of a quick rescue is soon dashed and the group has to figure out how to survive until help eventually, hopefully, arrives. Ben, the captain of the boat, and Lex, the professor who grudgingly joined the excursion, are the main characters of this shipwreck story, and the two start off on the wrong foot. Soon, though, it seems the island is helping them to recognize their attraction and things get very heated. This felt a bit like the old tv series, “Lost,” with its array of unexpected creatures populating the island and the happenings at the waterfall between Ben and Lex. And as the group explores more of the island things just get weirder. The author has stated that this is the first in a ten book series, so of course this book ends in a cliffhanger. I’m interested enough to pick up the next book. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2025
First off, thank you so much to Aeva Vox for the Wildbound ARC! ✨
The story started off strong, packed with adventure, tension, and plenty of spice. I loved the push-and-pull dynamic between Lex and Ben, and the tropical survival setting really pulled me in. That said, I personally couldn’t quite agree with the ending, and at times some descriptions (like Lex constantly rolling her eyes) felt repetitive. I think the writing has a lot of potential and room for growth.
Lex Bell, a bookish English professor, suddenly finds herself stranded on a mysterious tropical island after a freak whirlpool. Alongside her is Ben Reed, the grumpy whale-watching captain just trying to keep his business alive. Forced to work together to survive, things heat up when a single drink from a magical waterfall binds them with an uncontrollable craving.
🔥 Hot nights
💬 Sharp banter
🏝️ A paradise filled with danger
Wildbound is the steamy, fast-paced start to the Fated Shores series perfect if you’re craving adventure, spice, and a romance worth getting lost in.
The story started off strong, packed with adventure, tension, and plenty of spice. I loved the push-and-pull dynamic between Lex and Ben, and the tropical survival setting really pulled me in. That said, I personally couldn’t quite agree with the ending, and at times some descriptions (like Lex constantly rolling her eyes) felt repetitive. I think the writing has a lot of potential and room for growth.
Lex Bell, a bookish English professor, suddenly finds herself stranded on a mysterious tropical island after a freak whirlpool. Alongside her is Ben Reed, the grumpy whale-watching captain just trying to keep his business alive. Forced to work together to survive, things heat up when a single drink from a magical waterfall binds them with an uncontrollable craving.
🔥 Hot nights
💬 Sharp banter
🏝️ A paradise filled with danger
Wildbound is the steamy, fast-paced start to the Fated Shores series perfect if you’re craving adventure, spice, and a romance worth getting lost in.
August 16, 2025
“She knew the island was dangerous. But this? This was whatever came after dangerous. Threatening? Hazardous? For once, the English major in her couldn’t find the word.”
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity for Wildbound! The story mainly revolves around Ben(MMC) captain of the ship that Lex(FMC) and her colleagues board for a whale watching tour. They find themselves lost at sea after being sucked into a whirlpool. They find an island to take refugee on but encounter some unexpected animal encounters along the way. The story between Ben and Lex is full with witty banter and some spicy scenes! There’s no better way to explore the forced proximity trope than being stuck on an island together, although the story does end in a cliffhanger. Which made me wanting more because a lot is still left unanswered in regard to the island itself.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity for Wildbound! The story mainly revolves around Ben(MMC) captain of the ship that Lex(FMC) and her colleagues board for a whale watching tour. They find themselves lost at sea after being sucked into a whirlpool. They find an island to take refugee on but encounter some unexpected animal encounters along the way. The story between Ben and Lex is full with witty banter and some spicy scenes! There’s no better way to explore the forced proximity trope than being stuck on an island together, although the story does end in a cliffhanger. Which made me wanting more because a lot is still left unanswered in regard to the island itself.
August 21, 2025
First off I would like to thank Aeva Vox for this advance copy of Wildbound!
It was a really super cute romance read. It started out real simple but then morphed into something else all together.
If you like Journey to the Center of the Earth, or being sucked through a whirlpool of water and then shipwrecked not the other side. Then this book is for you!
There is a lovely romance theme throughout the entire book and the island they are on is untouched by the world around them. It takes you to a world without electronics and having to survive a world with a bunch of strangers. It was a lot of fun to get to know all the characters and have them find themselves!
All and all a super cute/fun read!
It was a really super cute romance read. It started out real simple but then morphed into something else all together.
If you like Journey to the Center of the Earth, or being sucked through a whirlpool of water and then shipwrecked not the other side. Then this book is for you!
There is a lovely romance theme throughout the entire book and the island they are on is untouched by the world around them. It takes you to a world without electronics and having to survive a world with a bunch of strangers. It was a lot of fun to get to know all the characters and have them find themselves!
All and all a super cute/fun read!
August 15, 2025
I received an ARC for this book and it was a really interesting read. I enjoyed the Lost/Gilligan's Island kind of feel of it and am curious to see where it goes and if we get more explanation about the island in future books. By the end I did like Lex and Ben individually and together but it was definitely a bit of a journey. I suppose it's a testament to the writing that at the start there were two characters I found fairly annoying and by the end I liked who they had become, even if I found the transition a little sudden.
I'd recommend it for a fun, quick read with island vibes and spice.
I'd recommend it for a fun, quick read with island vibes and spice.
August 20, 2025
3.75
If you love survival shoes and movies with a bit of science this is the book for you! The book follows Ben and Lex and how they go from hating each other to falling in love. Ben (MMC) is the boats captain and Lex(FMC) is a professor who decides to join the group of researchers going whale watching. They get sucked into a whirlpool and end up on a tropical island. As a science girlie by trade I truly appreciated the research that went into this book to make the science bits accurate. This book does end on a cliffhanger as it is book 1/10.
Thank you to Aeva for the copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own💜💜
If you love survival shoes and movies with a bit of science this is the book for you! The book follows Ben and Lex and how they go from hating each other to falling in love. Ben (MMC) is the boats captain and Lex(FMC) is a professor who decides to join the group of researchers going whale watching. They get sucked into a whirlpool and end up on a tropical island. As a science girlie by trade I truly appreciated the research that went into this book to make the science bits accurate. This book does end on a cliffhanger as it is book 1/10.
Thank you to Aeva for the copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own💜💜
August 12, 2025
I am very appreciative of Aeva Vox and their team for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Wildbound!
I really enjoyed the concept of Ben’s whale watching excursion bringing the whole group together. The mystical island vibe was unique and fun!
I like how Ben and Lex grow together as they learn to trust and try new things. I liked most of the side characters, though there were quite a few.
Sometimes the timelines seemed a little off and the story flow wasn’t as smooth as it could’ve been. But this was such a different concept!
I really enjoyed the concept of Ben’s whale watching excursion bringing the whole group together. The mystical island vibe was unique and fun!
I like how Ben and Lex grow together as they learn to trust and try new things. I liked most of the side characters, though there were quite a few.
Sometimes the timelines seemed a little off and the story flow wasn’t as smooth as it could’ve been. But this was such a different concept!
August 19, 2025
Wildbound is an action-packed survival romance. Lex, the female main character, is shipwrecked on a deserted island with her fellow whale watching tourists and captain Ben, the male main character. The group must work as a team to survive the unusual and harsh environment of the island. What starts as a grumpy/sunshine pairing transforms into a steamy romance between Lex and Ben. This book is part of a developing series and ends on a cliffhanger. Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2025
I was definitely not expecting the direction Wildbound was taking. It started as an enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine romance but turned into Survivor with... well maybe I should not say, because it will reveal a major plot complication. I liked Ben and Lex. As they spent more time on the island, they learned a lot about themselves and their abilities. Lex becomes more confident in herself and Ben, who is a control freak, learns to share the burden. Wildbound is an interesting and unpredictable read, with wonderful characters and great world-building.
August 25, 2025
loved it !! a good start for this new series !! love Ben and Lex... this is their story... a fast paced action packed rom/drama on a tropical island.... that whirlpool... a whale watching tour... and boom !!! Ben is the grumpy captain just trying to make ends meet.... Lex is the professor, so not wanting to be here.. it's hate at first sight... stranded.. no rescue in sight.. time to explore the island... and the island has plans for them all ... so good !!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2025
ARC Review: Wildbound by Aeva Vox
A shipwreck strands Lex, a bookish professor, and Ben, a grumpy captain, on a mysterious island—then one magical drink binds them in a sizzling, reluctant connection. Marketed as enemies-to-lovers, it reads more like grumpy-sunshine. The plot felt scattered, with unclear stakes, but the tropical setting and surprise dinosaurs add a quirky twist. A steamy escape for fans of forced proximity and chaotic romance.
A shipwreck strands Lex, a bookish professor, and Ben, a grumpy captain, on a mysterious island—then one magical drink binds them in a sizzling, reluctant connection. Marketed as enemies-to-lovers, it reads more like grumpy-sunshine. The plot felt scattered, with unclear stakes, but the tropical setting and surprise dinosaurs add a quirky twist. A steamy escape for fans of forced proximity and chaotic romance.
August 14, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating: 3.5/4 stars. I really enjoyed this read! It took a different direction than I expected, but in an intriguing way! I was definitely very invested for the whole story, and read it within 3 days
August 18, 2025
The author's writing style is engaging, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat💕. The world-building is vivid, and the setting of the mysterious waterfall and shipwrecks adds an air of adventure and excitement.❤️
August 29, 2025
I loved going on the adventure that was their relationship. Wish it was done In a Duel POV. But that’s my own opinion.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
Thank you Avae for providing me with an eARC of Wildbound. As always, my opinions are my own! ☺️
3.75 ✨ 1.5 🌶️
I’m not really sure what to say about this book. I did enjoy it. The aspect of Ben’s whale watching tour ending up on a mysterious island after a storm, and then finding a waterfall that magically binds Ben and Lex together was cute. There were definitely some suspenseful moments where the new inhabitants of this mysterious island had to think quickly when coming into contact with this island’s “native inhabitants.” Overall, it was a good read with some plot twists and surprises but it wasn’t anything to call home about.
It did end on a bit of a cliffhanger that left you wondering so I definitely do want to read the rest in the series to see what happens to everyone one the island though! 🧐
3.75 ✨ 1.5 🌶️
I’m not really sure what to say about this book. I did enjoy it. The aspect of Ben’s whale watching tour ending up on a mysterious island after a storm, and then finding a waterfall that magically binds Ben and Lex together was cute. There were definitely some suspenseful moments where the new inhabitants of this mysterious island had to think quickly when coming into contact with this island’s “native inhabitants.” Overall, it was a good read with some plot twists and surprises but it wasn’t anything to call home about.
It did end on a bit of a cliffhanger that left you wondering so I definitely do want to read the rest in the series to see what happens to everyone one the island though! 🧐
August 26, 2025
A little different read for me, more on a romantic genre novel but with a little unusual element, as in the waterfall. :D Lex is a professor who lives for her books and Ben is the grumpy boat captain, who takes folks out for whale watching.
They, along with others, are stranded after a freak event. This was fun and loved the banter between this pair as they faced their situation. :D
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They, along with others, are stranded after a freak event. This was fun and loved the banter between this pair as they faced their situation. :D
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2025
If you ever enjoyed reading Lord of the Flies or watching Lost, you'll enjoy this book.
While I didn't connect with all the characters on a deep level, the intriguing, sometimes unbelievable events kept me hooked. What truly grabbed my attention were the plot twists. They kept me on my toes and reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While I didn't connect with all the characters on a deep level, the intriguing, sometimes unbelievable events kept me hooked. What truly grabbed my attention were the plot twists. They kept me on my toes and reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews